THE Standing Committee on Economic Affairs’ visit to the Western and Northern divisions covered five reports, three of which were current, and used the trip to conduct an enquiry into rural electrification and meet stakeholders.
This was shared by Committee chair and Assistant Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna following claims by National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry that the visit was solely to review an outdated sugar industry report.
Mr Chaudhry said Parliament was wasting time and taxpayers’ money reviewing an outdated 2021–2022 Ministry of Sugar Industry report and travelling around the country to inspect projects mentioned in the report.
He argued Parliament should instead focus on the current problems facing sugar farmers.
However, Mr Tubuna said the characterisation of the Committee’s visit was “incorrect and misleading”.
He said the Committee was reviewing five reports, including the 2021–2022 Ministry of Sugar Industry Annual Report, Sugar Industry Tribunal Report, Assets Fiji Report, Fiji Sugar Growers Fund Report and Energy Fiji Limited Report.
Mr Tubuna said that, apart from the reports from the Ministry of Sugar Industry and the Sugar Industry Tribunal, the other reports being considered were current.
“The Committee planned one comprehensive visit to meet stakeholders and address issues related to all five reports, taking into account the cost and time implications of parliamentary travel,” Mr Tubuna said.
“During the visit, the Committee also conducted an enquiry into rural electrification, which was of direct and current relevance to communities in the areas visited.”
He rejected the suggestion that the trip was a waste of parliamentary time or public funds, saying the approach reflected prudent use of resources.
“Parliamentary committees have a responsibility to scrutinise Government ministries, statutory bodies and public institutions, while engaging directly with stakeholders and communities.
“Direct engagement provides information that cannot be obtained solely through examining reports in Parliament.”
Mr Tubuna said the Standing Committee remains committed to thorough, effective and consultative scrutiny of the ministries and agencies under its purview.
